Absorbent articles and methods for manufacturing said absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article that can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effects exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance into body fluids. [Solution] An absorbent article comprising a top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the skin and a second sheet 5 disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, and a functional agent disposed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the thickness direction T, wherein in the thickness direction T, the top sheet 2 has an embossed portion E that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion En where the top sheet 2 is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed therein, and in the width direction W, the article comprises a width-direction central portion Wc and two width-direction ends Wt adjacent to both ends thereof, wherein the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width-direction central portion Wc is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width-direction ends Wt, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction central portion Wc is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction ends Wt.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent article and a method for manufacturing the absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent items such as incontinence pads and sanitary napkins are used to absorb and retain bodily fluids such as urine and menstrual blood discharged by the wearer. In such absorbent items, functional agents such as cooling agents and fragrances are known to be placed on the skin side of the absorbent material and exert their function upon contact with the bodily fluids excreted by the wearer.

[0003] One known method for providing a functional agent to an absorbent article is to provide a second sheet between the absorbent and the top sheet, and to provide a layer of the functional agent between the top sheet and the second sheet. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article in which a cooling agent is placed on at least one of the non-skin side of the top sheet and the skin side of the second sheet, and the top sheet has a compressed section where it is compressed in the non-skin direction, and an uncompressed section surrounded by the compressed section. According to Patent Document 1, compared to an absorbent article in which the cooling agent is placed only on the skin side of the top sheet, the absorbent article can suppress the rapid volatilization of the cooling agent, and because the timing at which the cooling agent reaches the wearer's skin differs between the compressed section and the uncompressed section, it is possible to make the wearer feel the cooling effect for a longer period of time.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article having an intermediate sheet between a surface sheet and an absorbent, with a volatile substance such as a cooling agent or fragrance coated between the surface sheet and the intermediate sheet, and being compressed from the skin side from the surface sheet to the second absorbent located on the non-skin side of the intermediate sheet. The absorbent article of Patent Document 2 can suppress twisting of the absorbent core due to the recessed portion created by compression, and the diffusion of drainage can be improved. In addition, the volatile substance easily fills the recessed portion, making it difficult for moist air to flow in, thus ensuring the absorption performance of the absorbent article. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Thai Utility Model Publication No. 17251 Specification [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2024 / 038793 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, while Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose the placement of a functional agent (e.g., a cooling agent, a fragrance) between the top sheet and the second sheet, they do not disclose the area ratio of the functional agent. Furthermore, in the absorbent articles of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the absorbent material is compressed from the top sheet in the thickness direction towards the non-skin side, i.e., in the direction where the absorbent material is located. As a result, the fiber density in the compressed area is higher than in other areas. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted on the top sheet are drawn from areas of low fiber density to areas of high fiber density, accumulating in the compressed area, coming into contact with the functional agent, and transferring to the absorbent material together with the functional agent. Consequently, while absorption performance is ensured by compression, the amount of functional agent in contact with the wearer, especially the amount of functional agent in the compressed area, decreases, which may prevent the functional agent from performing its function for an extended period.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effects exerted by a functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance into body fluids, and a method for manufacturing said absorbent article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article having a thickness direction, a longitudinal direction and a width direction, comprising a top sheet that is in contact with the skin and a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet, and a functional agent disposed between the top sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, wherein in the thickness direction, the top sheet has an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion where the top sheet is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed therein, and in the width direction, the article comprises a width-direction center portion and two width-direction ends adjacent to both ends of the width-direction center portion, wherein the area ratio of the embossed portion in the width-direction center portion is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion at the width-direction ends, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction center portion is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent at the width-direction ends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effects exerted by a functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance into body fluids, as well as a method for manufacturing the absorbent article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of an incontinence pad 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the incontinence pad shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the incontinence pad shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a longitudinal direction, and a width direction, including a topsheet that contacts the skin and a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the topsheet, and a functional agent disposed between the topsheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, it has an embossed portion where the topsheet is recessed toward the non-skin side, and a non-embossed portion where the topsheet is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed. In the width direction, it includes a central portion in the width direction and two end portions in the width direction adjacent to both ends of the central portion in the width direction. The area ratio of the embossed portion in the central portion in the width direction is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion in the end portion in the width direction. The basis weight of the functional agent in the central portion in the width direction is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the end portion in the width direction. Absorbent article.

[0012] In the embossed portion of the absorbent article, since the constituent fibers of the topsheet are in a high density, the fiber spacing of the constituent fibers of the topsheet is shorter than the fiber spacing of the constituent fibers of the non-embossed portion. Therefore, due to capillary action, it is easy to draw the body fluid excreted in the non-embossed portion into the embossed portion. Since the embossed portion has a short thickness direction distance from the skin side surface of the topsheet to the skin side surface of the second sheet, it is easy for the body fluid excreted by the wearer to migrate from the skin side surface of the topsheet to the inside in the thickness direction. In the embossed portion, since the area ratio of the central portion in the width direction is higher than the area ratio of the end portion in the width direction, the absorption performance for body fluid is better in the central portion in the width direction than in the end portion in the width direction. Therefore, generally, the absorption performance for the body fluid excreted in the central portion in the width direction can be ensured.

[0013] The above functional agent is arranged between the topsheet and the second sheet, thereby suppressing outflow. Further, since the basis weight of the functional agent in the central portion in the width direction is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the end portion in the width direction, it is arranged more in a position where it is easier to come into contact with body fluid than when the basis weight in the central portion in the width direction is equivalent to the basis weight in the end portion in the width direction. Therefore, even if there is a functional agent that flows out together with the body fluid, the function exhibited by the functional agent can be maintained for a long time.

[0014] Therefore, the above absorbent article can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exhibited by the functional agent and the ensuring of the absorption performance with respect to body fluid.

[0015] [Aspect 2] In the above central portion in the width direction, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion is larger than the area ratio of the embossed portion. The absorbent article according to Aspect 1.

[0016] In the above absorbent article, in the central portion in the width direction, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion where it is difficult for body fluid to migrate to the lower layer due to capillary action is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion where body fluid easily migrates to the lower layer. Therefore, the amount of the functional agent that flows out to the lower layer together with the body fluid can be reduced. Therefore, the effect exhibited by the functional agent can be maintained for a long time.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The above embossed portion has a fused portion where the above topsheet and the above second sheet are fused. The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or 2.

[0018] In the above absorbent article, since the topsheet and the second sheet are fused, the constituent fibers of the topsheet and the constituent fibers of the second sheet are adjacent to each other, so that the body fluid contacting the topsheet can quickly migrate to the second sheet. Therefore, the body fluid can be induced more quickly to the lower layer of the second sheet. Further, since the induction of the body fluid to the lower layer of the second sheet is quick, the amount of the functional agent contacting the body fluid is reduced, so that the outflow of the functional agent can also be suppressed. Thereby, the function of the functional agent can be maintained for an even longer time.

[0019] [Aspect 4] The skin-side surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equal to or lower in the thickness direction relative to the skin-side surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 3.

[0020] In the absorbent article described above, the skin-side surface of the fused portion where the top sheet and the second sheet are joined is located at the same or lower position in the thickness direction as the skin-side surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion. As a result, bodily fluids that have traveled to the fused portion are prevented from flowing towards the functional agent located at a higher position in the thickness direction relative to the skin-side surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion, and are more easily transferred to the lower layers. Furthermore, since the fused portion of the embossed area and the functional agent in the non-embossed area are positioned so as not to be adjacent to each other, the bodily fluids drawn into the fused portion of the embossed area have reduced contact with the functional agent in the non-embossed area, thus allowing the functional agent to maintain its function for a longer period of time.

[0021] [Aspect 5] The top sheet has a plurality of high-density sections extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and a plurality of low-density sections extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Each of the above multiple high-density sections has a higher fiber density than each of the above multiple low-density sections. The high-density sections and the low-density sections are arranged alternately in the width direction of the top sheet. The embossed portion is formed at least on the high-density portion. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 1.

[0022] In the absorbent article described above, since the embossed portion is formed at least in the high-density portion, the fiber density of the embossed portion becomes higher, making it easier to draw in bodily fluids and thus improving absorption performance. The easier it is to draw in bodily fluids, the more pathways can be secured, which suppresses the outflow of functional agents from outside the pathways and allows the functional agent to maintain its function for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve both the long-term maintenance of the functional agent's function and the assurance of absorption function.

[0023] [Aspect 6] The embossed portion has a first embossed portion in which the high-density portion is recessed, and a second embossed portion in which the low-density portion is recessed. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 5.

[0024] Since the absorbent article has a first embossed portion with a relatively high fiber density and a second embossed portion with a relatively low fiber density, it can secure at least two types of dispersed flow channels, thereby ensuring more efficient absorption performance. Furthermore, because the top sheet has both high-density and low-density areas that are recessed, the gap between the fabric and the wearer's skin is increased, allowing the wearer to feel even more refreshed by reducing stuffiness.

[0025] [Aspect 7] The thickness of the top sheet mentioned above is 0.6 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The thickness of the second seat mentioned above is 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The thickness of the top sheet mentioned above is greater than the thickness of the second sheet mentioned above. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Because the top sheet of the above absorbent material is not too thick, it is easy to emboss, and the embossed area is located deeper on the non-skin side, allowing excreted bodily fluids to concentrate more easily and ensuring more efficient absorption performance. Furthermore, because the second layer of the sheet is not too thick, it facilitates the transfer of bodily fluids to the non-skin side, thus ensuring efficient absorption performance by suppressing the leakage of functional agents while absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, because both sheets are not too thin, they can withstand the pressure applied during embossing, and the nonwoven fabric that makes up both sheets can be embossed without tearing.

[0027] [Aspect 8] The embossed portion has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction from the skin side to the non-skin side. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Because the absorbent material described above has a mortar-like shape with the embossed portion narrowing towards the non-skin direction, the flow velocity of bodily fluids flowing through the top sheet is faster in the sloped area than in other areas, ensuring more efficient absorption performance.

[0029] [Aspect 9] The second sheet, adjacent to the non-skin side, comprises an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs bodily fluids. The absorbent article described in Embodiment 1.

[0030] Because the absorbent material absorbs bodily fluids that have moved from the second sheet toward the non-skin side, the leakage of the functional agent due to the return of bodily fluids is suppressed, allowing the function of the functional agent to be maintained more efficiently for a longer period of time.

[0031] [Aspect 10] In the thickness direction described above, the embossed portion and the superabsorbent polymer overlap, The absorbent article described in embodiment 9.

[0032] The above absorbent material allows bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed area to the non-skin side to quickly come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer, thus enabling rapid absorption of bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed area.

[0033] [Aspect 11] The top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet are compressed relative to the absorbent sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, and are provided with a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction. Multiple embossed portions are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves in the width direction. The absorbent article described in embodiment 9.

[0034] Since the absorbent article described above has a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction, even when the absorbent article is subjected to pressure from the wearer during wear, it maintains its shape and the area in the planar direction of the multiple embossed parts arranged inside the pair of compression grooves can be secured, thereby maintaining absorption performance more efficiently.

[0035] [Aspect 12] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article as described in any one of the embodiments 1 to 11, The process includes an embossing step, in which the laminate precursor having the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet is embossed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction to form a laminate having the embossed portion. A method for manufacturing absorbent articles.

[0036] The above manufacturing method forms a laminate for absorbent articles having embossed portions that are recessed toward the non-skin side by embossing. As a result, the fiber density of the top sheet is increased in the embossed portions, making it possible to manufacture absorbent articles that ensure more efficient absorption performance.

[0037] The following describes in detail a composite absorbent for absorbent articles according to an embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article equipped with the composite absorbent, and a method for manufacturing the composite absorbent.

[0038] In this specification, "viewing an object (e.g., an incontinence pad) placed flat on a horizontal surface from above in a vertical direction (especially from the top sheet side in the case of an incontinence pad) in the direction of the object's thickness" is simply referred to as "planar view." In this specification, in the direction of the thickness of an absorbent article, "the side that is proximal to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn" is referred to as the "skin side." Similarly, in the direction of the thickness of an absorbent article, "the side that is distal to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn" is referred to as the "non-skin side."

[0039] The absorbent articles according to this embodiment will be described using incontinence pads as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to its embodiments and examples, and can be applied to various absorbent articles without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. Examples of absorbent articles include so-called 3-piece and 2-piece disposable diapers, tape-type diapers, sanitary napkins, and pet diapers. Note that sanitary napkins include winged napkins.

[0040] [Incontinence pads] Figure 1 is a plan view of the incontinence pad 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 within the area of ​​frame line Rb in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the incontinence pad 1 within the area of ​​frame line Ra in Figure 1. Note that in Figure 4, the pair of compression grooves H, H are omitted.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the incontinence pad 1 has an oval shape in plan view, with a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other, and both ends of the longitudinal direction L protruding in an arc shape outward from the longitudinal direction L. The incontinence pad 1 also has a longitudinal center line CL that passes through the center of the width direction W and extends along the longitudinal direction L, and a width center line CW that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction L and extends along the width direction W. The external shape of the absorbent article in this embodiment is not limited to this form, as long as it has a shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L, and any shape (for example, rectangular, elliptical, hourglass, etc.) and size can be adopted according to various uses and modes of use.

[0042] In a plan view, the incontinence pad 1 comprises a top sheet 2, a pair of side sheets 3, 3, a plurality of embossed sections E, a pair of compression grooves H, H, and a pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha. The pair of compression grooves (a pair of first compression grooves) H, H extend in the longitudinal direction L. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha extend in the width direction W. The pair of compression grooves H, H and the pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha will be described later.

[0043] The incontinence pad 1 has a thickness direction T, and is formed by laminating a pair of side sheets 3, 3, a top sheet 2, a functional agent layer 4, a second sheet 5, an absorbent sheet 6, and a back sheet 7 in order from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T (see Figure 2).

[0044] The top sheet 2 is the component that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the incontinence pad 1 is in use, and allows bodily fluids such as urine to permeate from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and to move to the lower layer. For this reason, the top sheet 2 is made of a flexible sheet of fibers with appropriate liquid permeability, such as an air-through nonwoven fabric. The top sheet 2 has a length in the width direction that is greater than or equal to the width W4 of the absorbent sheet 6, which will be described later.

[0045] The pair of side sheets 3, 3 are located on the skin side of the top sheet 2 and extend in the longitudinal direction L at both ends in the width direction W, and have a pair of strip-shaped outer forms. Furthermore, each of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 has an outer end in the width direction W that is joined to the outer end in the width direction W of the back sheet 7 to form a fixed end, while the inner end in the width direction W is not joined to any component and forms a free end. The pair of side sheets 3, 3 may also have wings to secure absorbent articles when worn.

[0046] Each of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 deforms when worn so that the incontinence pad 1 curves in the longitudinal direction L, causing the inner end in the width direction W, which is the free end, to stand up, forming a pair of leak-proof walls to prevent leakage of excreted bodily fluids such as urine in the width direction W.

[0047] The functional agent layer 4 is a layer consisting of a functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the thickness direction T. The functional agent is a cooling agent, fragrance, etc. The basis weight of the functional agent placed in the center Wc (width W1) in the width direction is greater than the basis weight of the functional agent placed in the edge Wt in the width direction. As an example of this, there is an incontinence pad 1 in which the thickness of the functional agent layer 4 is not uniform, and the thickness of the functional agent placed in the center Wc (width W1) in the width direction is greater than the thickness of the functional agent placed in the edge Wt in the width direction. The length of the functional agent layer 4 in the width direction W is the width W3. The method for measuring the basis weight of the functional agent and the details of the functional agent layer 4 and the functional agent will be described later.

[0048] The second sheet 5 is placed on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, and is made of the same liquid-permeable, flexible fiber material as the top sheet 2, such as an air-through nonwoven fabric. The second sheet 4 plays a role in preventing backflow of menstrual blood and other excrement, improving the diffusion of excrement, and improving cushioning. The length W in the width direction of the second sheet 5 is at least the width W3 of the functional agent layer 4 and less than or equal to the width W4 of the absorbent sheet 6, which will be described later.

[0049] The absorbent sheet 6 (corresponding to the absorbent core) is a component adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet 5, and absorbs and retains bodily fluids (excrement) such as urine that have permeated the second sheet 5. The absorbent sheet 6 is a vertically elongated component that extends along the longitudinal direction L of the incontinence pad 1, for example, from near one end edge to near the other end edge in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the absorbent sheet 6 extends in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1 with a width W4 that is longer than the width W3 of the functional agent layer 4. Details of the absorbent sheet 6 will be described later.

[0050] The backsheet 7 prevents bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent sheet 6 from seeping through to the clothing side (non-skin side) of underwear or other garments when using the incontinence pad 1. The backsheet 7 is made of a suitable liquid-impermeable, flexible sheet, such as a polyethylene (PE) resin film.

[0051] In a plan view, the incontinence pad 1 comprises a widthwise central portion Wc and two widthwise ends Wt adjacent to both ends of the widthwise central portion Wc. The width of the widthwise central portion Wc is W1, and the width of each of the two widthwise ends Wt is the width from each end of the widthwise central portion Wc in the widthwise direction W to each end edge of the portion where the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 overlap in the widthwise direction W of the incontinence pad 1.

[0052] The widthwise central portion Wc is, for example, the central portion of the widthwise W of the incontinence pad 1 centered on the longitudinal center line CL, where the width W1 occupies 50% of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and second sheet 5 in the widthwise W of the incontinence pad 1. In this case, the two widthwise ends Wt are the portions in the widthwise W that extend outward from both ends of the widthwise central portion Wc, and each end occupies 25% of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and second sheet 5 in the widthwise W of the incontinence pad 1.

[0053] Alternatively, the widthwise central portion Wc (width W1) could be, for example, the central portion obtained by dividing the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and second sheet 5 in the widthwise direction W of the incontinence pad 1 into three equal parts. In that case, the two widthwise ends Wt are the portions outside both ends of the central portion, and are the ends obtained by dividing the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and second sheet 5 in the widthwise direction W of the incontinence pad 1 into three equal parts.

[0054] Furthermore, the widthwise central portion Wc and widthwise end portion Wt are not limited to the examples above, and the range that the widthwise central portion Wc and widthwise end portion Wt occupy in the widthwise direction can be any ratio or length depending on the various applications and usage patterns.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the pair of compression grooves H, H are positioned in plan view with the widthwise centerline CW, which is the center of the widthwise direction W, and both outer ends of the widthwise direction W are positioned with a width of W2. In addition, the embossed portions E are arranged in plan view from the front edge to the rear edge in the longitudinal direction L, and with a width W1 where the longitudinal centerline CL is the center of the widthwise direction W. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the embossed portions E are positioned inward in the widthwise direction W from the pair of compression grooves H, H. The embossed portions E will be described later. Note that in this embodiment, the width W2 is longer than the width W1.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the incontinence pad 1 has multiple embossed areas E (recesses). The embossed areas E are recessed areas in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, and the fiber density of at least the top sheet 2 is higher than the fiber density of the non-embossed areas En (see Figure 3). In a plan view, the area ratio occupied by the embossed areas E in the widthwise center Wc is higher than the area ratio occupied by the embossed areas E in the widthwise edge Wt. The method for measuring the area ratio of the embossed areas E will be described later.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the outer edges of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 and the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 7 are joined together by adhesive or other means at the outer edges of both ends of the width W4 of the incontinence pad 1, which is equipped with the absorbent sheet 6. As a result, the functional agent layer 4, the second sheet 5, and the absorbent sheet 6 are held between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 7. The lengths in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 7 are greater than the lengths in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the absorbent sheet 6.

[0058] The absorbent article of this embodiment, such as the incontinence pad 1, has a thickness direction T, a longitudinal direction L, and a width direction W, and comprises a top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the skin and a second sheet 5 that is positioned on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, and a functional agent 4 positioned between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the thickness direction T, wherein in the thickness direction T, the top sheet 2 and the functional agent have an embossed portion E that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion En that is not recessed toward the non-skin side, and in the width direction W, it comprises a width-direction central portion Wc and two width-direction ends Wt adjacent to both ends of the width-direction central portion Wc, wherein the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width-direction central portion Wc is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width-direction ends Wt, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction central portion Wc (width W1) is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction ends Wt.

[0059] In the absorbent article described above, the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 are densely packed in the embossed portion E, resulting in shorter inter-fiber distances between the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 compared to the inter-fiber distances in the non-embossed portion En. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted in the non-embossed portion En are easily drawn into the embossed portion E.

[0060] Furthermore, because the embossed portion E has a short distance in the thickness direction T from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 2 to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5, bodily fluids excreted by the wearer can easily move from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 2 to the inside in the thickness direction T. In the embossed portion E, the area ratio of the central portion Wc in the width direction is higher than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so the absorption performance for bodily fluids is better in the central portion Wc in the width direction than in the edges Wt in the width direction. Therefore, absorption performance for bodily fluids excreted mostly in the central portion Wc in the width direction can be ensured.

[0061] The functional agent is positioned between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5, which suppresses leakage. Furthermore, because the basis weight of the central part Wc in the width direction is higher than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, more of the functional agent is placed in a position that is more likely to come into contact with body fluids than if the basis weight of the central part Wc in the width direction were the same as that of the edges Wt in the width direction. As a result, the function exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long period of time. Therefore, the above absorbent article can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance for body fluids.

[0062] (Embossed area) Multiple embossed areas E are arranged in a dot pattern on the incontinence pad 1, from near one edge in the longitudinal direction L to near the other edge in a plan view, and in the widthwise central area Wc with a width W1. Instead of dots, they may be arranged in a line pattern or a cross pattern. Multiple embossed areas E arranged in the widthwise central area Wc may be formed in a circular shape or other way to surround the non-embossed area En. Also, multiple embossed areas E arranged in the widthwise central area Wc may be arranged in a shape symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center line CW. In the embossed areas E, the functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 is extruded in the planar direction. The functional agent may or may not be present in the embossed areas E.

[0063] In this absorbent article, it is preferable that the area ratio of the non-embossed portion En in the central portion Wc in the width direction is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion E. In the above absorbent article, since the area ratio of the non-embossed portion En is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the central portion Wc in the width direction, where body fluids tend to move to the lower layer due to capillary action, the amount of functional agent that flows out with body fluids can be reduced. Therefore, the effect exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0064] The width W1, which is the central portion Wc in the width direction, is preferably 22.0 mm or more, more preferably 23.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 24.0 mm or more. Also, the width W1 is preferably 27.0 mm or less, more preferably 26.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 25.0 mm or less. Furthermore, the width W1, which is the central portion Wc in the width direction, is preferably 30.0% or more, and preferably 60.0% or less, of the maximum width W in the width direction of the absorbent article.

[0065] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the embossed portion E is recessed toward the non-skin side of the top sheet 2 and the functional agent. Preferably, the embossed portion E has a fused portion where the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused together. Preferably, the fused portion is formed by heat embossing or the like. In the above absorbent article, since the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused together, the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent to each other, so bodily fluids that come into contact with the top sheet 2 can quickly move to the second sheet 5. Therefore, bodily fluids can be guided to the lower layer of the second sheet 5 more quickly. In addition, because the guidance of bodily fluids to the lower layer of the second sheet 5 is rapid, the amount of functional agent that comes into contact with bodily fluids is reduced, and thus the outflow of the functional agent can be suppressed. As a result, the function of the functional agent can be maintained for an even longer period of time.

[0066] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, it is preferable that the skin-facing surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equivalent to or lower in the thickness direction T than the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5 of the non-embossed portion En (see Figure 3). As a result, in the absorbent article, the skin-facing surface of the fused portion where the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused is located at a position equivalent to or lower in the thickness direction T than the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5. Therefore, bodily fluids that have entered the fused portion are prevented from flowing to the functional agent located at a higher position in the thickness direction T than the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5, and are more easily migrated to lower layers. Furthermore, since the fused portion and the functional agent are fixed at positions that are not adjacent, contact between the bodily fluids drawn into the fused portion and the functional agent is suppressed, allowing the functional agent to maintain its function for a long period of time.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent article of this embodiment, it is preferable that the embossed portion E has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side. As a result, the absorbent article has a mortar-like shape in which the embossed portion E narrows towards the non-skin side, so that the flow velocity of bodily fluids flowing through the top sheet 2 is faster in the sloped portion than in other portions, thus ensuring more efficient absorption performance.

[0068] If the embossed portion E has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, the bottom portion 10 of the embossed portion E in the thickness direction T has an inner diameter a2 that is smaller than the outer diameter a1 (see Figure 3). Also, if the embossed portion E is formed by embossing or the like, and has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, the bottom portion 10 of the embossed portion E is a fused portion.

[0069] The embossed portion E is preferably circularly recessed in plan view. In this case, the outer diameter a1 is the diameter of the recess in the thickness direction T on the top sheet 2, i.e., the diameter of the embossed portion E. The inner diameter a2 is the diameter of the bottom 10 in the thickness direction T on each embossed portion E. The outer diameter a1 is preferably 1.2 mm or more. The outer diameter a1 is preferably 1.3 mm or less. The inner diameter a2 is preferably 0.7 mm or more. Also, the inner diameter a2 is preferably 0.9 mm or less.

[0070] (Compression groove) As shown in Figure 1, the pair of compression grooves H, H extend in a curved shape in the longitudinal direction L with a width W2. The pair of compression grooves H, H compress the top sheet 2, second sheet 5, and absorbent sheet 6 integrally toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and correspond to the hinge portion. The functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in each compression groove H is extruded in the planar direction, similar to the embossed portion E, and the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent at the bottom 10 of each compression groove H.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the absorbent article has a pair of compression grooves H, H that compress the top sheet 2, functional agent layer 4, and second sheet 5 relative to the absorbent sheet 6 toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and extend in the longitudinal direction L. It is preferable that the multiple embossed portions E are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves H, H in the width direction W.

[0072] Since the absorbent article has a pair of compression grooves H, H extending in the longitudinal direction L, even when the absorbent article is subjected to pressure from the wearer during wear, it maintains its shape and the area in the planar direction of the multiple embossed portions E located inside the pair of compression grooves H, H can be secured, thereby maintaining absorption performance more efficiently.

[0073] (Second compression groove) The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are preferably located at both ends of the pair of compression grooves H, H in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in Figure 1, and extend in a curved shape in the width direction W within a width W2. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are preferably located along the peripheral edge in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article such as the incontinence pad 1 and extend in the width direction W. This prevents the hardness of the peripheral edge from being affected by the hardness of the second compression grooves Ha and thus from being reduced. Therefore, deformation of the peripheral edge can be suppressed. In addition, this suppresses leakage from the end in the longitudinal direction L by directing bodily fluids that have diffused in the longitudinal direction L to flow in the width direction W. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha may overlap with the embossed portion E in a plan view.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, in each compression groove H and second compression groove Ha, the top sheet 2, second sheet 5, and absorbent sheet 6 are integrally compressed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and correspond to the hinge portion. In each compression groove H and second compression groove Ha, the functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 is extruded in the planar direction, similar to the embossed portion E, so that the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent to each other.

[0075] The width W2 of the region where the pair of compression grooves H, H and the pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are arranged is preferably 34.0 mm or more, more preferably 35.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 36.0 mm or more. Also, the width W2 is preferably 39.0 mm or less, more preferably 38.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 37.0 mm or less. Furthermore, the width W2 is preferably 25.0% or more, and preferably 50.0% or less, of the maximum width in the width direction W of the absorbent article.

[0076] (Top sheet) As shown in Figure 3, the top sheet 2 preferably has a flat shape on the non-skin side and a wavy shape in the width direction W on the skin side. Specifically, the top sheet 2 has a plurality of high-density sections 2a extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W, and a plurality of low-density sections 2b extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W. In this case, the high-density sections 2a and low-density sections 2b are arranged alternately in the width direction W of the top sheet 2. The bottom section 10 is formed in at least the high-density sections 2a. The high-density sections 2a are areas in the top sheet 2 with relatively high fiber density, and the low-density sections 2b are areas in the top sheet 2 with relatively low fiber density.

[0077] As a result, the embossed portion E has a higher fiber density than when it is formed in the low-density portion 2b of the top sheet 2, making it easier to draw in bodily fluids and thus improving absorption performance. The easier it is to draw in bodily fluids, the more channels can be secured, which suppresses the outflow of functional agents from outside these channels and allows the functional agents to maintain their function for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve both the long-term maintenance of the functional agents' function and the assurance of absorption function.

[0078] A top sheet 2 in which high-density portions 2a and low-density portions 2b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W can be obtained, for example, by performing air jetting or embossing at the predetermined intervals in the width direction W during the manufacturing of the top sheet 2. If the top sheet 2 has high-density portions 2a, the high-density portions 2a are located at least in the central portion Wc in the width direction where the embossed portion E is formed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the top sheet 2, it is preferable that the high-density portion 2a is relatively thin and the low-density portion 2b is relatively thick. In this case, since the thickness of the high-density portion 2a and the low-density portion 2b in the top sheet 2 are different, the relatively thick, multiple low-density portions 2b arranged at predetermined intervals become the surface that comes into contact with the skin, while the relatively thin, multiple high-density portions 2a arranged at predetermined intervals become the surface that does not come into contact with the skin. Because the high-density portion 2a does not come into contact with the skin, the gap between the top sheet 2 and the wearer's skin increases, allowing the wearer to feel cooler by suppressing stuffiness.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the absorbent article has a top sheet 2 comprising a high-density portion 2a and a low-density portion 2b, it is preferable that the embossed portion E is compressed so that the fiber density is in two stages. Specifically, it is preferable that the embossed portion E has a first embossed portion E1 in which the high-density portion 2a is recessed, and a second embossed portion E2 (not shown) in which the low-density portion 2b is recessed. The first embossed portion E1 embosses the high-density portion 2a in the top sheet 2, which has a relatively high fiber density, and the second embossed portion E2 embosses the low-density portion 2b in the top sheet 2, which has a relatively low fiber density. Therefore, the fiber density of the first embossed portion E1 is higher than that of the second embossed portion E2.

[0081] Since the absorbent article has a first embossed section with a relatively high fiber density and a second embossed section with a relatively low fiber density, it is possible to secure dispersed channels, such as channels passing through the first embossed section and channels passing through the second embossed section, thereby ensuring more efficient absorption performance. In addition, since the low-density section 2b of the top sheet 2 is also embossed in addition to the high-density section 2a, the gap between the top sheet and the wearer's skin is increased, allowing the wearer to feel even more refreshed by suppressing stuffiness.

[0082] The thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 0.6 mm as a lower limit and preferably 1.0 mm as an upper limit. The thickness of the second sheet 5 is preferably 0.3 mm as a lower limit and preferably 0.5 mm as an upper limit. It is preferable that the thickness of the top sheet 2 is greater than the thickness of the second sheet 5. In this case, since the top sheet 2 is a thickness that makes embossing easy, the embossed portion E is located deeper on the non-skin side, so the excreted bodily fluids tend to concentrate, ensuring more efficient absorption performance. Also, since the second sheet 5 is thin enough to easily transfer bodily fluids to the non-skin side, it is possible to ensure more efficient absorption performance of bodily fluids while suppressing the outflow of the functional agent. Furthermore, if a volatile functional agent is applied on the second sheet 5, the top sheet 2 is thicker, so the functional agent will not volatilize easily. In addition, since each sheet has a thickness greater than the lower limit, it can withstand pressing, and embossing can be done without tearing the nonwoven fabric that makes up each sheet. Because each sheet has a thickness below the upper limit, the sheet surface is less likely to fray compared to sheets with a thickness exceeding the upper limit, thus suppressing skin irritation caused by fraying.

[0083] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably greater than the thickness of the second sheet 5. In that case, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 1.2 times or more, and more preferably 1.5 times or more, than the thickness of the second sheet 5. Also, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 5.0 times or less, and more preferably 3.4 times or less, than the thickness of the second sheet 5.

[0084] Since the thickness of the top sheet 2 is at least a predetermined ratio to the thickness of the second sheet 5, the depth in the thickness direction T of the embossed portion E is secured, and the top sheet 2 of the embossed portion E maintains fiber density, allowing bodily fluids to be continuously drawn into the embossed portion E. Because the top sheet 2 can secure a channel for drawing in bodily fluids, it suppresses the outflow of functional agents from channels other than the channel, and the function exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, since the thickness of the second sheet 5 is within a predetermined range relative to the thickness of the top sheet 2, the second sheet 5 can maintain the absorbent capacity to efficiently draw in the bodily fluids concentrated in the top sheet 2 of the embossed portion E and transfer them to the lower layer. Therefore, because the ratio of the thickness of the top sheet 2 to the thickness of the second sheet 5 is within a predetermined range, the absorbent article can more efficiently achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance for bodily fluids. The thickness of each sheet is measured by the following method.

[0085] <Method for measuring sheet data> The thickness of each sheet was measured using the following method. (1) Cut a 2cm x 2cm section from the sheet to be measured using a sharp blade to prepare the sample. (2) Leave the sample in an air atmosphere at 20.0°C and 65.0% RH relative humidity for 24 hours. (3) Take a photograph of the end face of the sample, and from the acquired image, measure the thickness (mm) at three points that divide the end face of the sample into four equal parts, and take the average value (mm) of the three thicknesses. (4) Repeat steps (1) to (3) a total of 5 times, and the average value (mm) will be taken as the thickness (mm) of each sheet.

[0086] <Method for measuring the fiber density of a sheet> (1) Cut the area of ​​the sheet containing the part to be measured with a sharp blade (e.g., a utility knife) to obtain the sample. (2) Using a scanning electron microscope (e.g., VE-7800 manufactured by Keyence Corporation), the cross-section of the part of the sample to be measured is magnified (e.g., at a magnification of 100 to 1000 times) with the midpoint of the thickness direction of the part to be measured as the center of observation, and an image is taken. (3) Count the number of constituent fiber cross-sections per unit area (e.g., 1 mm × 0.25 mm) of the photographed cross-section. (4) The number of cross-sections of the constituent fibers counted, 1 mm 2 Convert this to the number of individual fibers per cross-section, and determine the fiber density (fibers / mm²). 2 ) (5)(3)~(4) Fiber density (threads / mm 2 The fiber density (fibers / mm²) of the sheet was measured at three locations, and the average value was used. 2 )

[0087] (Functional agent layer) The functional agent layer 4 is composed of a functional agent that includes, for example, at least one of a cooling agent, a fragrance, a warming agent, a deodorant, and an antibacterial agent. The functional agent allows the wearer to obtain specific sensations while using or excreting from the absorbent article. An example of a deodorant is benzalkonium chloride, and an example of a warming agent is benzalkonium chloride. An example of an antibacterial agent is polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).

[0088] Cooling agents, for example, act on receptor activating channels (TRPM8) in the nerves of the skin. Examples of such cooling agents include menthol (e.g., l-menthol) and its derivatives (e.g., menthyl lactate and menthol glycerin acetal (MGA)), methyl salicylate, camphor, cucumber extract, and essential oils derived from plants (e.g., mint, eucalyptus, nutmeg). Cooling agents may also lower the ambient temperature through evaporative cooling. Examples of such cooling agents include alcohols (e.g., methanol and ethanol). To make the wearer feel the cooling effect for a longer period of time, cooling agents may be contained in a solvent or in a retaining agent such as cyclodextrin.

[0089] Fragrances may be used to mask the odor caused by excreted bodily fluids. Examples of such fragrances include esters (e.g., menthone, ethyl acetate, linalyl acetate, etc.), terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene, etc.), lactones (e.g., gammadecalactone), and ketones (acetophenone, musk ketone).

[0090] In this embodiment, when the functional agent of the absorbent article has a function that provides a specific sensation to the wearer's touch, such as a cooling agent or a warming agent, the basis weight of the functional agent in the central part Wc in the width direction is greater than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so that it is closer to the wearer's mucous membranes, and the effect of the functional agent can be more effectively exerted. Also, in this embodiment, when the functional agent of the absorbent article has a function that reduces the influence of the wearer's bodily fluids, such as an antibacterial agent, deodorant, or fragrance, the basis weight of the functional agent in the central part Wc in the width direction is greater than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so that it comes into reliable contact with the excreted bodily fluids, and the effect of the functional agent can be more effectively exerted. The basis weight of the functional agent located in the central part Wc in the width direction is preferably 1.2 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more, preferably 4.0 times or less, and more preferably 3.0 times or less, compared to the basis weight of the functional agent located in the edges Wt in the width direction. The lower limit of the above ratio of basis weight is the ratio required to maintain the function exhibited by the functional agent for a long period of time, and the upper limit of the above ratio is the ratio required to suppress changes in the flow path in the width direction W due to the thickness of the functional agent layer 4 and to secure the flow path.

[0091] <Method for measuring the basis weight of functional agents> The basis weight of the functional agent is measured by the following method: The basis weight of the functional agent is measured by headspace solid-phase microextraction. (1) Remove the product from the package and unfold it, then cut it in the width direction according to the range to be measured. In addition, cut it at the front, center, back, etc. of the three-fold line where the area can be made uniform to create the sample. Also, measure the area of ​​each sample (m²). 2 ) Measure. (2) Fold the sheet so that the skin-facing side is on the outside, roll it up into a small ball, and place it in a 300ml beaker. (3) Cover the top of the beaker with aluminum foil, then cover the top with plastic paraffin film to seal the beaker, and place the sealed beaker in a constant temperature water bath. Maintain the water temperature in the constant temperature water bath at a temperature suitable for the functional agent to be measured, specifically at the temperature at which each functional agent volatilizes. Insert an SPME fiber (Sigma-Aldrich 50 / 39μm DVB / CAR / PDMS, Stableflex 2cm) through the aluminum foil into the beaker and extract the volatile components in each headspace for 50 minutes. (4) The SPME fibers removed from the beaker are immediately measured using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010Plus). Helium is used as the carrier gas, and the measurement mode is set to scanning, using the electron shock ionization method. The mass (g) obtained is then measured against the area (m²) of each fiber measured in (1). 2 Calculate by dividing by ). (5) The process from (1) to (4) is measured five times, and the average value is used to determine the basis weight (g / m²) of the functional agent. 2 )

[0092] (Absorbent sheet) In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 6 preferably contains a super absorbent polymer (SAP) and an absorbent material such as pulp fibers that absorb bodily fluids, and is adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet 5. In the absorbent article described above, since bodily fluids that have moved from the second sheet 5 to the non-skin side are absorbed by the super absorbent polymer, the outflow of the functional agent due to the return of bodily fluids is suppressed, and the function of the functional agent can be maintained more efficiently for a longer period of time.

[0093] Furthermore, the absorbent sheet 6 is formed in a vertically elongated shape when viewed from above. This vertically elongated shape may also be rectangular when viewed from above. The absorbent sheet 6 may also be an SAP sheet, and in the case of an SAP sheet, it is preferable that 90% or more by mass of the water-absorbing material is composed of a superabsorbent polymer. The remainder may be, for example, pulp fibers.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the absorbent sheet 6 contains a superabsorbent polymer, it is preferable that the embossed portion E overlaps with the superabsorbent polymer in the thickness direction T. In this absorbent article, bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed portion E to the non-skin side quickly come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer, thus enabling rapid absorption of bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed portion E.

[0095] The absorbent sheet 6 may consist of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet. In this case, it is preferable that the absorbent core is composed of a superabsorbent polymer for 90% or more by mass of the absorbent material. The remainder may be, for example, pulp fibers. The core wrap sheet covers the absorbent core on the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side. The core wrap sheet may consist of a single sheet, or it may consist of a sheet that covers the skin-facing side of the absorbent core and a sheet that covers the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core. The core wrap sheet may be made of a hydrophilic material such as a nonwoven fabric or a tissue sheet.

[0096] The width W4 of the absorbent sheet 6 in the width direction W is preferably 40.0 mm or more, more preferably 45.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 50.0 mm or more. Also, the width W4 is preferably 80.0 mm or less, more preferably 75.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 70.0 mm or less.

[0097] (Back seat) The backsheet 7 is made of a material that is impermeable to liquids, such as a laminated nonwoven fabric mainly composed of polyethylene sheet, polypropylene, etc., a breathable resin film, spunbond, or a sheet in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as spunlace.

[0098] (Placement of embossed areas) FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the frame line Ra in FIG. 1, and shows an example of the appearance in a plan view of a plurality of embossed portions E arranged in the absorbent article of the present embodiment. In the plan view of the incontinence pad 1, the plurality of embossed portions E are arranged in a shape surrounding the non-embossed portion En, and an emboss group surrounding the non-embossed portion En is formed. The emboss group is, for example, a plurality of round emboss groups Er or a plurality of flower-shaped emboss groups Ef.

[0099] In the round emboss group Er, the distance d1 between the respective embossed portions E is arranged relatively far, and in the flower-shaped emboss group Ef, the distance d2 between the respective embossed portions E is arranged relatively close (that is, d1 < d2). The distance between the embossed portions E is the distance from the center in the plan view of one embossed portion E to the center in the plan view of the other embossed portion E.

[0100] The distances d3 to d8 between the embossed portions E of the adjacent round emboss groups Er and the embossed portions E of the flower-shaped emboss group Ef are larger than d2. The distances d3 to d8 are preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.6 mm or more, and still more preferably 2.7 mm or more. Also, d3 to d8 are preferably 3.8 mm or less, more preferably 3.7 mm or less, and still more preferably 3.6 mm or less. The distances d3 to d8 may be different values. The distance between the embossed portion E that is a round emboss group Er and the embossed portion E that is not an emboss group is preferably a relatively short distance (for example, the distance d1).

[0101] In this embodiment, there is no area occupied by the embossed portion E at the widthwise end Wt, and it is entirely a non-embossed portion En. Therefore, the area ratio occupied by the embossed portion E at the widthwise end Wt is 0%. On the other hand, when the embossed portion E is located at the widthwise end Wt, the area ratio of the embossed portion E located at the widthwise center Wc is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 3.0 times or more, preferably 10.0 times or less, and more preferably 5.0 times or less, compared to the area ratio of the embossed portion E located at the widthwise end Wt. The lower limit of the above multiplier in area ratio is the multiplier required to secure the flow path, and the upper limit of the above multiplier is the multiplier required for the bodily fluid flowing along the flow path to be absorbed even at the widthwise end Wt.

[0102] <Method for measuring the area ratio of embossed areas> The area ratio of the embossed portion is measured by the following method. The area ratio of the embossed portion is measured for both the widthwise edges and the widthwise center. In addition, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion is obtained based on the area ratio of the embossed portion. (1) In products such as incontinence pads, the longitudinal center line is the center in the width direction, and a predetermined range (for example, 50%) of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet and second sheet is defined as the width of the central part in the width direction. (2) The width of the widthwise edge is defined as the area outside both the left and right sides of the width of the central part in the widthwise direction identified in (1), where the top sheet and the second sheet overlap. The widthwise edge range consists of the widthwise right edge range (e.g., 25%) and the widthwise left edge range (e.g., 25%). (3) The width determined in (1) and (2), and the maximum length of the overlapping portion of the top sheet and second sheet in the longitudinal direction at the center or end of the width direction, are used as the cutting range, and samples are cut out from the center of the width direction, the left end of the width direction, and the right side of the width direction. In the following description, "each sample" refers to the sample from the center of the width direction and the samples at the ends of the width direction (a pair of samples from the right end of the width direction and a pair of samples from the left end of the width direction). (4) Using a microscope (KEYENCE microscope VHX-900, lens VH-Z20R), obtain enlarged images capturing the entire surface of each sample cut out in (3). In the case where a sample is too large to fit within the measurable field of view of the microscope, divide the enlarged image into multiple pieces according to the size of the sample and obtain them (for example, divide each sample into three parts in the longitudinal direction and obtain three enlarged images of the front, middle, and rear sides respectively). (5) For each sample, adjust the scale of the enlarged image obtained in (4) and measure the area (m 2 ) of the entire surface of each sample. In the case where the enlarged image is obtained by dividing it into multiple pieces, measure the area (m 2 ) of the entire surface of each divided enlarged image and calculate the total value. (6) For each sample, measure the total area (m 2 ) of the embossed parts in the area where the total area (m 2 ) was measured in (4). In the case where the enlarged image is obtained by dividing it into multiple pieces, measure the total area (m 2 ) of the embossed parts of each divided enlarged image and calculate the total value. In the case where the boundary between the embossed part and the other part (non-embossed part) is unclear, determine the boundary between the embossed part and the other part from the enlarged image from one side of the top sheet and the second sheet. Since the embossed part is in a state where the fibers are crushed or in a film shape, determine the embossed part from the enlarged photograph of the sheet and identify the boundary between the embossed part and the other part (non-embossed part). (7) Perform (1) to (6) five times in total and use the average value as the total area (m 2 ) of each sample and the area (m 2 ) of the embossed parts of each sample. (8) For each sample, the value calculated by dividing the area (m 2 ) of the embossed parts obtained in (7) by the total area (m 2 ) of the sample is defined as the area ratio of the embossed parts. The area ratio of the non-embossed parts is the total area (m 2This is the area ratio of the non-embossed portion of the surface. Therefore, when expressed as a percentage, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion (%) is obtained by subtracting the area ratio of the embossed portion (%) from 100%.

[0103] [Method for manufacturing absorbent articles] The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "manufacturing method") includes the following steps. -Laminated precursor formation step (hereinafter referred to as the laminated precursor formation step) in which a back sheet 7, absorbent sheet 6, second sheet 5, functional agent layer 4, top sheet 2, and a pair of side sheets 3, 3 are laminated in order from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction T to form a laminated precursor. - An embossing step (hereinafter referred to as the "embossing step") is performed on a laminate precursor having a top sheet 2, a functional agent, and a second sheet 5 toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, thereby forming a laminate having an embossed portion E.

[0104] In the lamination precursor formation step, when laminating the functional agent layer 4, the basis weight of the functional agent in the widthwise central portion Wc is greater than the basis weight of the functional agent in the widthwise edge portion Wt. Also, in the embossing step, the widthwise central portion Wc of the lamination precursor is embossed more than the widthwise edge portion Wt of the lamination precursor.

[0105] In the lamination precursor formation step, when a top sheet 2 having a high-density portion 2a and a low-density portion 2b is used, the method for manufacturing such a top sheet 2 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be obtained by including a top sheet formation step in which an air jet or emboss is applied to a top sheet precursor formed of hydrophilic fibers with substantially uniform fiber density at predetermined intervals in the width direction W toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, thereby manufacturing the top sheet 2.

[0106] The method for manufacturing the embossed portion E that slopes from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T is not particularly limited, but for example, the embossing jig used for embossing in the embossing step can be cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped, and the manufacturing can be done by having the sides of the embossing jig slope toward the tip. Since the above manufacturing method forms a laminate for absorbent articles having an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side by embossing, the fiber density of the top sheet becomes higher in the embossed portion, so it is possible to manufacture an absorbent article that ensures more efficient absorption performance.

[0107] The embossing in the embossing step may be heat embossing using a heat embossing jig with a heating function. This forms a laminate for absorbent articles in which the embossed portion has areas where the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together, and since the fibers in the embossed portion become denser than in unheated embossing, it is possible to manufacture absorbent articles that ensure more efficient absorption performance. Furthermore, since the top sheet and second sheet other than the embossed portion are bulked up by heat embossing, a further difference in fiber density is created between the embossed portion and the other parts, thus enabling the manufacture of absorbent articles that ensure even more efficient absorption performance. In addition, the heat embossing jig may be cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped with sides that slope toward the tip.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately combined, substituted, modified, etc., without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1. Incontinence pad 2 Top Sheets 2a High density area 2b Low density part 3 side seats 4. Functional Agent Layer 5. Second row seats 6 Absorbent Sheets 7 Backseat 10 bottom CL Longitudinal Centerline CW Width direction center line E Embossed part E1 First Embossed Section E2 Second Embossed Section Er circular embossed group Ef Floral Embossed Group En Non-embossed area H Compression Groove Ha Second Compression Groove L Longitudinal direction T (thickness direction) W (width direction) W1 width W2 width W3 width W4 width Wc Width center part Wt Width direction edge

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a top sheet having thickness, length and width directions, in contact with the skin, a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet, and a functional agent disposed between the top sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, In the thickness direction, the top sheet has an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion where the top sheet is not recessed and the functional agent is arranged. In the width direction, the structure comprises a central portion in the width direction and two end portions in the width direction adjacent to both ends of the central portion in the width direction. The area ratio of the embossed portion in the central part in the width direction is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion at the ends in the width direction. The basis weight of the functional agent in the central part in the width direction is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent at the edges in the width direction. Absorbent material.

2. In the central portion in the width direction, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The embossed portion has a fused portion where the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

4. The skin-side surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equal to or lower in the thickness direction relative to the skin-side surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 3.

5. The top sheet has a plurality of high-density sections extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and a plurality of low-density sections extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Each of the plurality of high-density sections has a higher fiber density than each of the plurality of low-density sections. The high-density portion and the low-density portion are arranged alternately in the width direction of the top sheet. The embossed portion is formed at least in the high-density portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

6. The embossed portion has a first embossed portion in which the high-density portion is recessed, and a second embossed portion in which the low-density portion is recessed. The absorbent article according to claim 5.

7. The thickness of the top sheet is 0.6 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The thickness of the second seat is 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The thickness of the top sheet is greater than the thickness of the second sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

8. The embossed portion has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction from the skin side to the non-skin side. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

9. The second sheet comprises an absorbent sheet adjacent to the non-skin side, which contains a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs bodily fluids. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

10. In the thickness direction, the embossed portion and the superabsorbent polymer overlap, The absorbent article according to claim 9.

11. The top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet are compressed relative to the absorbent sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction and are provided with a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction. Multiple embossed portions are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 9.

12. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The process includes an embossing step, in which the laminated precursor having the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet is embossed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction to form a laminate having the embossed portion. A method for manufacturing absorbent articles.

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